On March 17th I read an article in the New York Times Circuits section that reported that certain video games would soon allow their main characters to use/abuse drugs ranging from marijuana to crack cocaine. The games mentioned include Narc, another from Take Two Interactive called Snow and one from Vivendi Universal called Scarface. I have always been a proponent of the video gaming industry and have written before that I think gaming companies have the potential to be among the leading companies in the digital age. I must admit that I was taken aback by this disturbing news.
I realize that these games are rated M for mature, however gaming executives and parents know full well that these M games find their way into teen and preteen hands. I think that this is a case where the video gaming industry has a moral obligation to reinforce right from wrong. I understand that for a long time games have promoted violence, and I do have reservations about this when it is wreckless. But as NY Times reviewers have pointed out, this violence can be cathartic for gamers. Moreover I believe that promoting these types of drugs is especially dangerous because they are much more accessible and acceptable in our society than firearms.
Some argue that these are no different than the "power ups" found in kids games like Mario Brothers or Pokemon. I disagree. You can't go out around the town and buy a magic coin or wand for a pick me up, but you can go out and find crack or methamphetamine in many high schools. Like it or not teens learn from the media, be it cable tv or video games and this is the wrong kind of message to be sending out.
I will admit that I have played violent video games with my preteen son. However realizing that he would learn from this, I atleast chose a game (Medal of Honor/Frontline) where the enemy is a real historical villain (Nazis in WWII) and the goals are admirable. I also was able to take the opportunity to teach my son about WWII and about his grandfather and great uncle who fought in those wars. Lastly I try to insist that I am present when he plays this violent single person shooter game, to monitor his behavior. If my young son becomes wreckless and indescriminantly shoots allies, or becomes cruel, it's game over.
I believe that video game entreprenuers and industry members need to rethink their game strategies when it comes to dangerous narcotics and other wreckless behavior ( including violence.) At the very least there needs to be severe game consequences for such ugly acts. Ultimately a parental or media backlash could erupt and have a long-lasting negative affect on what is otherwise a bright future for video gaming. Yes these wreckless violent games bring in the bucks. But it's time for video game executives to put down the digital crack pipes and get their virtual realities in check.
